53 Festive Facts about Christmas | FactRetriever.com 53 Festive Facts about Christmas By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer Published September 19, 2016 Norwegian scientists have hypothesized that Rudolph’s red nose is probably the result of a parasitic infection of his respiratory system.[8] The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers.[7] Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. alone.[7] All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts.[7] The “true love” mentioned in the song “Twelve Days of Christmas” does not refer to a romantic couple, but the Catholic Church’s code for God. The person who receives the gifts represents someone who has accepted that code. For example, the “partridge in a pear tree” represents Christ. The “two turtledoves” represent the Old and New Testaments.[3] Two weeks before Christmas is a popular time for breakups According to data analyzed from Facebook posts, two weeks before Christmas is one of the two most popular times for couples to break up.

However, Christmas Day is the least favorite day for breakups.[12] Most of Santa’s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzen, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeers shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are likely not male, but female or castrated.[8] In A.D. 350, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birthday of Christ.[3] According to the Guinness world records, the tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221-foot Douglas fir that was displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington.[6] The traditional three colors of Christmas are green, red, and gold. Green has long been a symbol of life and rebirth; red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and gold represents light as well as wealth and royalty.[3] Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates during the Christmas holiday are low.

The highest rates are during the spring.[11] The world’s largest Christmas stocking measured 106 feet and 9 inches (32.56 m) long and 49 feet and 1 inch (14.97 m) wide. It weighed as much as five reindeer and held almost 1,000 presents. It was made by the Children’s Society in London on December 14, 2007.[6] Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S. since 1850.[2] Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.[2] Many European countries believed that spirits, both good and evil, were active during the Twelve Days of Christmas. These spirits eventually evolved into Santa’s elves, especially under the influence of Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas (1779-1863) illustrated by Thomas Nast (1840-1902).[7] Each year there are approximately 20,000 “rent-a-Santas” across the United States. “Rent-a-Santas” usually undergo seasonal training on how to maintain a jolly attitude under pressure from the public.

They also receive practical advice, such as not accepting money from parents while children are looking and avoiding garlic, onions, or beans for lunch.[7] The United States has about 20,000 "rent-a-Santas" per year Bolivians celebrate Misa del Gallo or “Mass of the Rooster” on Christmas Eve. Some people bring roosters to the midnight mass, a gesture that symbolizes the belief that a rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus.[7] The British wear paper crowns while they eat Christmas dinner. The crowns are stored in a tube called a “Christmas cracker.”[7] In Poland, spiders or spider webs are common Christmas trees decorations because according to legend, a spider wove a blanket for Baby Jesus. In fact, Polish people consider spiders to be symbols of goodness and prosperity at Christmas.[7] Alabama was the first state in the United States to officially recognize Christmas in 1836.[7] Christmas wasn’t declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.[3] Oklahoma was the last U.S.

state to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1907.[7] Evergreens (from the Old English word aefie meaning “always” and gowan meaning “to grow”) have been symbols of eternal life and rebirth since ancient times. The pagan use and worship of evergreen boughs and trees has evolved into the Christianized Christmas tree.[1] Ancient peoples, such as the Druids, considered mistletoe sacred because it remains green and bears fruit during the winter when all other plants appear to die. Druids would cut the plant with golden sickles and never let it touch the ground. They thought it had the power to cure infertility and nervous diseases and to ward off evil.[1] Mistletoe comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "little dung twig" Mistletoe (Viscum album) is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means “little dung twig” because the plant spreads though bird droppings.[1] Because they viewed Christmas as a decadent Catholic holiday, the Puritans in America banned all Christmas celebrations from 1659-1681 with a penalty of five shillings for each offense.

Some Puritan leaders condemned those who favored Christmas as enemies of the Christian religion.[3] A Yule log is an enormous log that is typically burned during the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 25-January 6). Some scholars suggest that the word yule means “revolution” or “wheel,” which symbolizes the cyclical return of the sun. A burning log or its charred remains is said to offer health, fertility, and luck as well as the ability to ward off evil spirits.[5] Because of their pagan associations, both the holly (associated with the masculine principle) and the ivy (the feminine) and other green boughs in home decoration were banned by the sixth-century Christian Council of Braga.[1] The poinsettia is native to Mexico and was cultivated by the Aztecs, who called the plant Cuetlaxochitl (“flower which wilts”). For the Aztecs, the plant’s brilliant red color symbolized purity, and they often used it medicinally to reduce fever.

Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia is not poisonous, but holly berries are.[7] Christmas has its roots in pagan festivals such as Saturnalia (December 17-December 23), the Kalends (January 1 -5, the precursor to the Twelve Days of Christmas), and Deus Sol Invictus or Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun (December 25). The Christian church heartily disapproved of such celebrations and co-opted the pagans by declaring December 25 as Christ’s day of birth, though there is no evidence Christ was born on that day.[7] Santa Claus is based on a real person, St. Nikolas of Myra (also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker, Bishop Saint Nicholas of Smyrna, and Nikolaos of Bari), who lived during the fourth century. Born in Patara (in modern-day Turkey), he is the world’s most popular non-Biblical saint, and artists have portrayed him more often than any other saint except Mary. He is the patron saint of banking, pawnbroking, pirating, butchery, sailing, thievery, orphans, royalty, and New York City.[5] Early illustrations of St.

Nicholas depict him as stern, commanding, and holding a birch rod. He was more a symbol of discipline and punishment than the jolly, overweight elf children know today.[5] Puritan Oliver Cromwell outlawed Christmas celebrations and carols in England from 1649-1660. The only celebrations allowed were sermons and prayers.[3] Wassail is from the Old Norse ves heill, meaning “good health.”[3] Christmas stockings allegedly evolved from three sisters who were too poor to afford a marriage dowry and were, therefore, doomed to a life of prostitution. They were saved, however, when the wealthy Bishop Saint Nicholas of Smyrna (the precursor to Santa Claus) crept down their chimney and generously filled their stockings with gold coins.[3] Odin, a precursor to Santa Claus, had a flying horse with eight legs The Viking god Odin is one precursor to the modern Santa Claus. According to myth, Odin rode his flying horse, Sleipnir (a precursor to Santa’s reindeer), who had eight legs.

In the winter, Odin gave out both gifts and punishments, and children would fill their boots or stockings with treats for Sleipnir.[5] There are two competing claims as to which president was the first to place a Christmas tree in the White House. Some scholars say President Franklin Pierce did in 1856; others say President Benjamin Harrison brought in the first tree in 1889. President Coolidge started the White House lighting ceremony in 1923.[7] President Teddy Roosevelt, an environmentalist, banned Christmas trees from the White House in 1901.[7] It is estimated that the single “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin is the best selling single of all time, with over 100 million sales worldwide.[7] There are approximately 21,000 Christmas tree farms in the United States. In 2008, nearly 45 million Christmas trees were planted, adding to the existing 400 million trees.[2] The first person to decorate a Christmas tree was reportedly the Protestant reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546).

According to legend, he was so moved by the beauty of the stars shining between the branches of a fir tree, he brought home an evergreen tree and decorated it with candles to share the image with his children.[7] The first printed reference to a Christmas tree was in 1531 in Germany.[7] Approximately 30-35 million real (living) Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S.[2] Christmas is a contraction of “Christ’s Mass,” which is derived from the Old English Cristes mæsse (first recorded in 1038). The letter “X” in Greek is the first letter of Christ, and “Xmas” has been used as an abbreviation for Christmas since the mid 1500s.[3] In 1962, the first Christmas postage stamp was issued in the United States.[7] In Germany, Heiligabend, or Christmas Eve, is said to be a magical time when the pure in heart can hear animals talking.[7] The earliest known Christmas tree decorations were apples.

At Christmastime, medieval actors would use apples to decorate paradise trees (usually fir trees) during “Paradise Plays,” which were plays depicting Adam and Eve’s creation and fall.[5] Commissioned by Sir Henry Cole (1808-1883), British illustrator John Callcott Horsley (1817-1903) invented the first Christmas card in 1843.[7] Christmas shopping makes up 1/6 of U.S. retail sales Christmas purchases account for 1/6 of all retail sales in the U.S.[7] According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), there are 2,106 million children under age 18 in the world. If there are on average 2.5 children per household, Santa would have to make 842 million stops on Christmas Eve, traveling 221 million miles. To reach all 842 million stops, Santa would need to travel between houses in 2/10,000 second, which means he would need to accelerate 12.19 million miles (20.5 billion meters) per second on each stop.

The force of this acceleration would reduce Santa to “chunky salsa.”[8] During the Christmas season, nearly 28 sets of LEGO are sold every second.[9] Many of the most popular Christmas songs, such as “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” were written or co-written by Jews.[10] Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens' classic novella A Christmas Carol was almost named "Little Fred."[4] Pinnable Facts Keyword Tags Depression Jeopardy Template 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age _______ 100 Feeling grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.

100 Examples of this cause include loss of relationship, loneliness, arguing and conflict 100 Soccer, football, basketball, baseball, etc 100 Used to relieve some symptoms of depression and is often prescribed along with therapy 200 By age 24, ________% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin 200 weight loss or weight gain 200 Examples of this cause include withdrawal from others, reduced activity, and poor self-care 200 What is a vacation A temporary new place often reached by plane, train, or automobiles. Minnesotans prefer some place warm for this activity 200 What is major depression? Characterized by the inability to enjoy life and experience pleasure. The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to severe. If left untreated, it typically lasts for about six months 300 The average delay between onset of symptoms and intervention is ____-____ years 300 What is loss of interest Not wanting to do activities that were previously joyful 300 What are thoughts Examples of this cause include negative _______ habits, unfair self-criticism, unrealistic negative ________ about your situation or future 300 to engage in thought or contemplation; reflect.

often done alone in quiet. 300 What is behavioral therapy? Its aim is to identify and change aspects of behavior that may perpetuate or worsen the depression. Strategies include: goal setting, activity scheduling, social skills training, and structured problem solving 400 Only _______ % of youth with mental illness receive treatment 400 Feelings of worthless or guilt 400 Examples of this cause include sadness, despair, emptiness, and anxiety 400 What is skiing/snowboarding Riding down a snow hill or mountain on one or two pieces of wood (at least in the old days) 400 What is cognitive therapy?

Its aim is to help individuals realize that they can influence their mood by identifying and changing their thoughts and beliefs by focusing on discovering and challenging unhelpful assumptions and beliefs, and develop helpful and balance thoughts 500 What is 13-18 21% of youth aged ______-______ live with mental illness severe enough to cause significant impairment in their day-to-day lives 500 Feeling like there is no point 500 Examples of this cause include poor sleep, low energy, appetite changes, & nervous system changes 500 Removing all the dirt and grime from a certain area 500 What is True Fredarth | The Ramblings of an Old Man The Ramblings of an Old Man Menu Well here it is – the big one same as ever some easy some not so easy and some…… to get the answers simply run the cursor over the space after the question but only after you have tried the question Happy Christmas In what country, the world’s seventh largest by geographical area, is Christmas known as Bada Din (the big day)? India Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean, is a territory of which country?

Australia ‘Three Kings Day’ is known by what numerical name (that’s ‘name’, not ‘date’) in Britain?Twelfth Night The North Pole, said to be Santa’s home, is located in which ocean? Arctic Ocean ‘And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning…’ is from which Christmas carol? I Saw Three Ships Marzipan is made (conventionally in the western world) mainly from sugar and the flour or meal of which nut? Almond What is the technical name of Mistletoe plant genus, and also Latin for glutinous? Viscum(hence the words viscous and viscosity, referring to semi-solid/semi-liquid and thick sticky substances – derived from the sticky quality of mistletoe berries, and also an early word for birdlime, a sticky substance made from the berries, used to trap birds) Peter Auty sang Walking In The Air in what film? The Snowman Which Christmas condiment is made from fruit sometimes referred to as marshworts? Cranberry sauce Which American-born English poet, having first names Thomas Stearns, wrote the poem The Cultivation Of Christmas Trees?

T S Eliot Which Christmas slogan was introduced by Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust in 1978? A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas Which British monarch (born 1865, died 1936) introduced the custom of giving thousands of Christmas puddings to staff? King George V In the UK it is traditionally believed that eating a what each day of the twelve days of Christmas brings happiness the following year: Sausage; Mince pie; Carrot; or Turkey drumstick? Mince pie The fortified wine drink Sherry is named after what town? Jerez (Spain – in Spanish, sherry is called Vino de Jerez) In Coldplay’s 2010 Christmas single video, the Latin phrase Credo Elvem Etiam Vivere (seen above the stage) loosely means what (combining an ironic rock’n’roll myth, with a seasonal sentiment popularised by Greg Lakes’s 1975 Christmas hit – and for two bonus points: name the Greg Lake song, and the Coldplay 2010 Christmas single)?

I Believe Elvis Lives (Greg Lake’s song – I Believe In Father Christmas; Coldplay’s 2010 Xmas single – Christmas Lights) What is the surname of the family in the 1989 film ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’? Griswold Who composed the music known as The Nutcracker Suite, for the Christmas themed ballet The Nutcracker, premiered in St Petersburg, 1892? Tchaikovsky Which southern central US state, whose capital city has the same name, was the last to recognize Christmas as an official holiday? Oklahoma In which country, the largest of its continent, is it said that finding a spider web on Christmas morning brings good luck, and so Christmas trees are decorated with artificial spider webs? Ukraine What day of the week was Christmas day in the year 2000 (in the conventional western calendar)? Monday Charles Dickens is said to have considered the names Little Larry and Puny Pete for which character? (Bonus point: in which Dickens novel did the character appear?) Tiny Tim – A Christmas Carol Under which Puritan leader did the English parliament pass a law banning Christmas in 1647?

Oliver Cromwell Name the two administrative and ex-colonial regions of China for whom Christmas day (as at 2010) remains a legal public holiday, whereas in the main country it is not? Hong Kong and Macau In which European country is it said that malicious goblins called Kallikantzoroi (or Kallikantzari – singular Kallikantzoros) play troublesome pranks at Christmas? Greece (the name is thought to derive from kalos-kentauros, meaning ‘beautiful centaur’) Very loosely related to Christmas, the predatory animal ‘uncia uncia’ is better known by what name? Snow Leopard Which traditional Christmas plant was once so revered by early Britons that it had to be cut with a golden sickle? Mistletoe In the song ‘The Twelve Days Of Christmas’, how many swans were a-swimming? Seven What former Egyptian president was born on Christmas day in 1918? Anwar Sadat Driving Home For Christmas was a 1988 hit single for which singer?

Chris Rea Who composed the Lieutenant Kijé orchestral suite, for a 1934 film of the same name, including the Troika movement, commonly used as Christmas theme music, usually with prominent sleigh bells? Prokofiev (Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev) In Mexico, it is said that wearing what colour underwear on New Year’s Eve ensures finding new love the following year? Red The Latin word meaning ‘coming’ gave us what term which still refers to the coming Christmas period, and also to a particular tradition popular with children? Advent (as in advent calendars – the ‘coming’ basically refers to the birth of Christ) In which country does Santa have his own personal postcode HOH OHO? Canada In 2004, the post office of which country (international dialling code 49) gave away twenty million free scented stickers, to make Christmas cards smell like fir trees, cinammon, gingerbread or honey wax? Germany ‘Nadolig Llawen’ means Merry Christmas in which western European language? Welsh ‘Olive the Other… (what?)’, is a Christmas book by Vivian Walsh and J Otto Seibold?

Reindeer In which country, an archipelago of 6,852 islands, is it considered inappropriate to send red Christmas cards? Japan (because funeral notices are customarily printed in red) The early pagan religious winter festival celebrated by archaic Scandinavian and Germanic people, later absorbed into Christmas celebrations, is still referred to in what alternative word for the Christmas season? Yule (or Yule-tide) What is the chemical formula of snow? H2O Which charity in 1949 was the first to produce a Christmas card? UNICEF (originally the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, now called United Nations Children’s Fund) What red-blooming Christmas plant came originally from Mexico? Poinsettia (Euphorbia Pulcherrima) Brandy is made from distilling what? Wine What was Girls Aloud’s 2002 UK Christmas number one single? Sound of the Underground Which famous comedy double-act partner made the first ever UK mobile phone call, New Year’s Day, 1985? Ernie Wise White Christmas, a cake made of coconut, crisped rice and dried fruit, is popular in which country?

Australia Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday is a 25th December celebration in which country? Pakistan (also known as Muhammad Ali Jinnah he is considered the country’s founder) Who is the narrator in the 2000 film The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Anthony Hopkins What was the cyclone named that hit Darwin, Australia, in Christmas 1974? Tracy Pine needles are said to be a good source of which vitamin? C What drink invented by Francis Showering has a fawn mascot? Babycham What creature, noted for feeding on its berries, is linked by name to the mistletoe plant? Mistle thrush In which Christmas carol does this line feature: “Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither”? Good King Wenceslas What is the birth sign of people born on 25 December? Capricorn The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus on or around 1 January celebrates specifically what happening to the baby Jesus? Circumcision Complete the famous rhyming line which follows: “At Christmas play and make good cheer, … ?

For Christmas comes but once a year (from Thomas Tusser’s instructional poem A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry, The Farmer’s Daily Diet, written in 1557 – also the source of ‘A fool and his money are soon parted’) ‘Full of Eastern Promise’ is an advertising slogan of what exotically positioned chocolate product? Fry’s Turkish Delight Which poem written by Clement Moore was originally titled A Visit from Saint Nicholas? The Night Before Christmas What was the title of the first Christmas TV special Peanuts cartoon? A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) What celebratory receptacle is falsely claimed to have been modeled on the breast of Marie Antoinette? Champage coupe (or champagne saucer, more loosely, champagne glass – the flat saucery one, not the long thin pointy one) Which author and creator of Jekyll and Hyde, gave his birthday by formal deed to Anne Ide because she disliked her own birthday of December 25th? Robert Louis Stevenson What animal is the Scandinavian Christmas Julbock symbol? Goat (precisely a Yule Goat) Christmas Crackers was the first Christmas edition of which popular UK comedy series?

Only Fools and Horses What song topped the UK charts at Christmas in 1957 and in a medley version in 1978? Mary’s Boy Child (Harry Belafonte and Boney M, respectively) Which hugely popular actor was born on Christmas day 1899? Humphrey Bogart What British spacecraft was lost on Mars at Christmas 2003? Beagle 2 What was Queen’s 1984 Christmas single called? Thank God it’s Christmas American cartoonist Thomas Nast is credited with creating the traditional image of which popular Christmas character? Santa Claus (Father Christmas) Jackie Wilson’s re-issued song Reet Petite became the 1986 UK Christmas number one after helping to advertise what brand? Levi’s (Levi Strauss & Co) What is the name of Dorothy Gale’s dog in The Wizard of Oz? Toto Born Christmas day 1908, by what name was gay icon author of The Naked Civil Servant popularly known? Quentin Crisp (born Denis Charles Pratt) What is a baby Turkey more correctly called, other than a chick?

Poult La Befana is the legendary character who delivers Christmas presents to children in which country? Italy (Befana loosely means a witch) Who is the central businessman character in the film It’s a Wonderful Life? George Bailey(played by James Stewart) In technical astronomical terms what is the duration of the winter solstice; an instant, a day, three months, or six months? An instant (in the northern hemisphere between 21-22 Dec each year; in the southern hemisphere between 21-22 June) What Christmas-time song did James Pierpont compose in 1857? Jingle Bells (or, One Horse Open Sleigh) What is the title of biggest selling Christmas single, globally? White Christmas (by Bing Crosby) Gwyl San Steffan is the name for 26th December (St Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day) in which country? Wales Which actress singer who charted with Santa Baby and starred as Catwoman died on Christmas day 2008? Eartha Kitt What Christmas item takes its name from the old French word estincelle, meaning spark? Tinsel Who is regarded as the first Christian martyr?

St Stephen Kiritimati, the first inhabited place to experience each New Year, is more commonly known as what? Christmas Island What Paul McCartney hit song video featured the First World War Christmas Truce meeting of German and British soldiers in no-man’s land between the front line trenches? Pipes of Peace Who was said to have presented the baby Jesus with Frankincense? Balthazar In which city was the Salvation Army founded? London (1865, orginally the Christian Mission, by William Booth) When the Julian calendar was switched to the Gregorian calendar how many days were dropped? Eleven What drink advert launched the slogan ‘The Right One’ in 1970? Martini What is Virgil Hilts’ nickname in the film The Great Escape? The Cooler King Before the tradition of hanging stockings up at Christmas what did Dutch children hang by the fireside? Shoes In which country is it a tradition to hide all brooms in the house on Christmas Eve? Norway(according to legend, witches would steal them otherwise Who wrote the songs for the 1954 film White Christmas? Irving Berlin Which US President banned Christmas trees from the White House?

Theodore Roosevelt How many courses are there traditionally in a Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper? Twelve (each one is dedicated to an apostle) In the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, how many pipers are there? Eleven From what does the month of December take its name? Ten (Latin, decem – it was the tenth month of the early Roman calendar) What did Scottish students take from Westminster Abbey on Christmas day 1950? The Coronation Stone (or Stone of Scone, or Stone of Destiny) The surname Chandler derives from the making or selling of what? Candles Who are the four ghosts in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol? Christmas Past, Christmas Present, Christmas Yet to Come, and Jacob Marley (one point for each correctly named ghost, and a bonus point for all four) What liqueur goes into making a ‘snowball’ cocktail?

Advocaat (or advokatt, pronounced ‘advocar’ – normally a blend of brandy, egg yolks, vanilla and sometimes other ingredients – award yourself a bonus point if you dare order one next time you go to the bar.) What is the English title of the carol written in 1818 by Austrian priest Josef Mohr originally called Stille Nacht? Silent Night In Victorian England what people were popularly called robins because of their red uniforms? Postmen Share this: by fredarth09 Well we’ve been hammered with all the Poppy day propaganda (although not much from the Poppy day organisation [wasn’t it once the Haige Fund?]) wonderful pictures which could be called “Click Bait” (a method of gaining thousands of “Likes” and “Shares” so the site is more appealing to advertisers therefore a money spinner and not always for the benefit of others) They say it is in aid of the British service personnel but what about the millions of civilians killed, maimed, made homeless because of war? Looking at the news it would appear that we have no time for them at all.

We make up stories about the grand houses and cars the refugees are given the vast amount of money they are given and all the jobs they are taking. In our heart of hearts we know that this is all poppycock and not true. However the old saying is coming to pass “give a dog a bad name – then kick him” And so next is Christmas the second most important season of the Christian calendar. All will be self-righteous and pontificating about how Christmas is for the kids, how much they spend on presents, how drunk they plan to get, some will even to calling it “Winterville” or “Wintertide” in order to be “politically correct” what tosh! Christmas has become the time for businesses to make a mint and to fleece the citizens of every last penny. Over Christmas I wonder how many will even step inside a church and say – even quietly under their breath – Happy Birthday Jesus.

Christmas The bells of waiting Advent ring, The tortoise stove is lit again And lamp-oil light across the night Has caught the streaks of winter rain In many a stained glass window sheen From Crimson Lake to Hookers Green The holly in the windy hedge And round the Manor House the yew Will soon be stripped to deck the ledge The altar, font and arch and pew So that villagers can say “The church looks nice” on Christmas Day Provincial public houses blaze On lighted tenements I gaze Where paper decorations hang, And bunting in the red Town Hall Says “Merry Christmas to You All” And girls in slacks remember Dad And Oafish louts remember Mum, And sleepless children’s hearts are glad And Christmas-Morning bells say “Come” Even to shining ones who dwell Safe in the Dorchester Hotel And is it true? And is it true This most tremendous tale of all, Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue A Baby in an ox’s stall? The maker of the stars and sea Became a Child on earth for me? And is it true?

For if it is, No loving fingers tying strings Around the tissued fripperies The sweet and silly Christmas things, Bath salts and inexpensive scent And hideous tie so kindly meant No love that in a family dwells, No carolling in frosty air, Nor all the steeple shaking bells Can with this simple truth compare — That God was Man in Palestine And lives today in Bread and Wine John Betjeman. The Azura The beginning of our adventure ⚓ After a rather disappointing breakfast at the Southampton Holiday Inn we made our way to the Mayflower Terminal to be told that the ship had arrived late and the luggage would not be loaded until 11:00. So we waited in the pay and display car park (£3 for 2 hours minimum) for 3/4 hour when suddenly we moved and the luggage was unloaded the car was driven away and we went for the boarding routine. Check in, photos taken, cards issued, through security and on to the ship. The cabin is very nice and comfortable. Our Cabin Our Cabin (the other way) We had lunch in the self service restaurant (Venezia) and the choice available was surprising and very good.

I had a small fish salad and Margaret had a ham and egg salad. Later we were treated to a display by the Red Arrows (they were really there for the Boat Show.) That was followed by the boat drill when we all had to assemble at our assembly point with our life jackets and we were taught how to put them on. We went to the same restaurant for our dinner and again I had a salad with smoked salmon and potted shrimps (very good) and I followed that with some cheese and biscuits. I also enjoyed a glass of Merlot. Maggie had roast beef and when she saw that I had the shrimps she also had to have them. Later we went to the welcome aboard show and I must say that it was far better than I expected it to be. Sunday 13th September 2015 At Sea Big Screen Nice lazy day Sea a little lumpy but it is the Bay of Biscay so what can we expect? Met some interesting people at breakfast and lunch. Breakfast was very good with a wide variety of eggs bacon sausage etc. plus the contential breakfast. Lunch was again a very mixed menu of fish, salads, meat etc. all to a high standard.

Saw the film “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”, booked some trips and generally slobbed. The weather was very bad with the rough seas making walking difficult, sleeping wasn’t easy either. We went to see an Elton John lookalike but he wasn’t available so there was a comedian “Lloyd Davies” instead. He was quite good. The Atrium Elsie and Fred at bedtime Monday 14th September 2105 Vigo – Spain Arrive morning Depart afternoon Spain’s busiest fishing port, Vigo sits on the rugged west coast of the province of Galicia. Over the centuries, this charming town and its resilient residents have been the target for many naval attacks including a couple from Sir Francis Drake. In these more peaceful days, you will still find the best view of Vigo is from the fort (Castillo del Castro) built to defend it from the hill overlooking the harbour. From here, your Vigo cruise tour will lead you through the steep, narrow streets of the atmospheric old town (Barrio del Berbes) to see (and smell…) the daily fish market.

Try one of the oysters which are fresh from beds in Vigos ‘ria’ – one of the sunken sea-filled valleys for which Galicias coastline is renowned. And our Vigo cruises are also a chance to visit nearby Santiago de Compostela, the subject of pilgrimages since the Middle Ages. Rain at the start of the day and because of the atrocious weather we docked 1/2 hour late. We had our usual breakfast (then I discovered the kippers!!) And off we went for our trip “Leisurely Vigo Views“ which started in rain but this soon left leaving glorious sunshine all around. The trip was very relaxed and took in a panoramic view of the harbour a visit to a large mansion with beautiful gardens. The trip ended at a large hotel providing a light lunch and wine and tea or coffee. “LEISURELY VIGO VIEWS” Winding your way through the city the coach took us up to LA Guia Hill with panoramic views over the Galician countryside and down by the bay with its many mussel farms.

We continued through the city by Plaza de Espana and Plaza de America with their statues including the fishermen and the statue of the Wild Horses Went to the 17th century Castrelos Park and the French style gardens We stopped at the 19th Century Pazo Los Escudos for refreshments of Spanish Tapas and 2ine and coffee and tea. We returned to the ship and did a little more exploring around the ship to slob around for the afternoon Went to the Manhattan Bar in the evening to see a Neil Diamond lookalike he was very good after he settled down Wild Horses Maggie on the dock of the Bay Tuesday 15th September 2015 Lisbon – Portugal Some of the best views of the Portuguese capital come as your ship cruises along the Tagus River. You pass the Belem Tower and the impressive Monument to the Discoveries with its statue of Henry the Navigator before arriving at the Lisbon cruise terminal. Although small for a European capital, this city does sprawl a little so you would do best to concentrate on three districts – Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama, each with its own distinctive style, making Lisbon cruises a must see.

Baixa has busy streets of inviting shops, cafés and restaurants while Alfama is the atmospheric old town with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval and Moorish-style buildings, wrought-iron balconies with trailing flowers and a mix of small shops and bars. Bairro Alto is another historic district with narrow streets and is a steep climb from Baixa so look out for the 100-year-old lift (Elevador do Carmo) near Rossio Square. With such a variety of destinations to explore, cruises to Lisbon bring to your holiday a balance of both modern and historical grounds. Arrive early morning Depart afternoon Overcast start to the day with a little drizzle at first. After a good breakfast we went ashore ( that’s ship talk for getting of the ship there’s another one “disembark” means the same thing) and joined our coach No 5 for our “Leisurely Coach and River Trip” “LISBON BY LAND AND RIVER” Coach guide pointed out landmarks such as Pombai Square, Liberty Avenue, Black Horse Square Nd Rossio but because of the traffic we couldn’t see much.

Not really impressed with the trip as the coach couldn’t stop much for the photographs because of the busy traffic although we did get some nice ones through the coach windows. Maggie wanted to see Doulphins We were advised to avoid the bar area because we would not be able to hear the commentary so we avoided that deck altogether. Still couldn’t hear it! There were some nice views and photographs taken which we can ‘Google’ when we get home. Belem Tower Saw the show “When Swing Was King” in the main theatre and really enjoyed it. Flowers everywhere Wednesday 16th September2015 Gibraltar – Gibraltar Britons love cruising to ‘home from home’ Mediterranean cruise port Gibraltar – and not just because it has some excellent pubs and tax free shops (good buys include glassware, china, leather goods, alcohol, perfume, silk and cashmere garments). Gibraltar also offers wonderful views of the Bay of Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountains from the Rock Restaurant, served by cable car from the Grand Parade. Birdwatchers can spot more than 230 species and there are clearly marked nature trails you can follow to discover the country’s flora and fauna.

The most famous ‘fauna’ of course, are Gibraltar’s Barbary apes – get off the cable car at the halfway station to see these, then proceed to the top and hire an audio tape charting the Rock’s fascinating history. Alternatively spend a day at the beach – Catalan Bay is the prettiest, with its colourful fishing boats and excellent seafood restaurants. Arrive morning Depart early afternoon Arrived safely in Gibraltar but decided not to go ashore after our experience before. So we sat and let the world go by. The other side of the Rock Letting the world go by Well the Military are still working Spent the day onboard the ship simply relaxing We saw the film “The theory of everything” before lunch They had a great “sail away “party as we left Gibraltar with everyone given a flag to wave songs and dancing In the evening we went to the Playhouse and saw Ben Makisi an opera singer. He was brilliant and his version of “Bring him home” was far superior to Alfie Boe. Thursday 17th September 2015 At Sea Going for a haircut at the spa. I need it.

Film in the playhouse “A Royal Night Out” Very good funny film – if only it was true. Had dinner in the Meridian Restaurant with my best bib and bow very, very good had prawn cocktail followed by lamb shank with the cheeseboard to follow. Jolly good day. Friday 18th September 2015 Villefranche – France The steeply terraced streets of this pretty centuries-old fishing village set against a densely wooded backdrop create a delightfully timeless picture. Despite its increasing popularity with tourists, Villefranche remains a small, relatively uncrowded resort with plenty of Gallic charm. The centre is just behind Villefranche cruise terminal, across the road and up a series of steps. Along a maze of narrow cobbled streets, you will find chic boutiques and a choice of both cheap and expensive cafés and restaurants. Alternatively, walk along the seafront to a long narrow beach which curls around the bay. Up some steps is the way to the neighbouring, almost Victorian-style resort of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Villefranche is a convenient base from which to explore the French Riviera and Cote dAzur and the medieval villages of Eze and St Paul-de-Vence.

Quite an experience – to get on land we had to use the lifeboats. Margaret didn’t’ t enjoy it much as it did rock a bit but the trip (Riviera Panorama) was very enjoyable and the scenery was breath-taking. We had a couple of stops to have a quick look around. More Flowers Unusual Flowers Relaxing Day We returned to the ship at about 14:00 and had some lunch and slept most of the remainder of the afternoon. All this gallivanting is so tiring. Hawaiian Themed Dinner Decided to have dinner in the Meridian Restaurant as we didn’t fancy dining outside in “smoker’s alley” pleased we did as I had duck and Maggie had chicken Thinking about trying the Peninsula Restaurant tomorrow for breakfast I wonder if there is Eggs Royal or Eggs Benedict? Saturday 19th September 2015 La Spezia – Italy Tucked into the Ligurian coastline between Genoa and Pisa, is the pretty town of La Spezia – one of Italy’s most important military and commercial harbours. But it’s not this that attracts so many.

La Spezia is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Cinque Terre – a collection of five coastal villages perched on the coastline. Monterosso al Marc is famous for its beaches. Vernazza is a charming fishing port decorated with colourful buildings. Cornigilia is perched high above sea level with painted houses clinging to the cliff face. Peaceful Manarolais is modern in comparison and boasts a rocky cove. While Riomaggiore is a pretty town with attractive tall houses marching up the hillside. Back in La Spezia itself you’ll find a number of churches and museums. There’s the 13th century Our Lady of Assumption church, housing a surprising collection of art, and the civic museum in the Castle of San Giorgio is just one of seven museums in the town. Arrive early morning Depart early evening We had breakfast in the Peninsula Restaurant where I had poached eggs on toast while Maggie had scrambled eggs and bacon and sausage cooked to order so not been hanging about for ages. Really good Well we didn’t go to La Spezia but instead we went to Livorno Not a pretty port but a short shuttle bus ride of 15 minutes took us to the town. Very Italian town.

We saw a Cathedral dedicated to St Catherine and then on to a small church dedicated to Our Lady. Crib in the Cathedral Afterwards we stumbled upon a huge market with very good and cheap fruit and vegetables and also other goods. We spent a little time at a cafe people watching Tonight we intend to eat in the Meridian Restaurant and later see what entertainment there is. Saw the “Flyrights” a close harmony group Sunday 20th September 2015 Civitavecchia – Italy Arrive early morning Depart early evening Standing in the Colosseum, visiting Vatican City and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain are all unique experiences of a lifetime to be had in the Eternal City of Rome, reached from your Italian cruise port Civitavecchia. Rome’s breath-taking monuments, palaces, churches and classical features are quite unlike anything you will find in any other European city. They will always leave you wanting to come back for more – hence the coin-tossing, which is said to guarantee your return. The city’s other must-sees include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon (probably the most complete ancient Roman building in the city) and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s masterpieces.

While steeped in history, Rome is also a modern, bustling city with designer shops and chic boutiques at every turn. Reasonably priced department stores selling all the latest fashions can be found in the many pedestrianised shopping streets, while restaurants and cafés spill out onto piazzas offering authentic Italian dishes and sensational ice cream. Because the majority of things we wanted to see in Rome were closed We cancelled our trip and instead we took the shuttle bus into the town. Visited the cathedral and walked to the seafront enjoying a coffee on the way. Nice relaxed 3 hour visit Maggie enjoying her paddle In the evening we saw “Byron Johnston” a guitarist Brilliant and exceeded the performance levels of the shows so far. Monday 21st September 2015 Ajaccio – Corsica Arrive morning Depart afternoon Napoleon was born here and, if you did not know that before, it would only take a few minutes after cruising into Ajaccio to cotton on as ‘Boneys’ name and likeness is everywhere.

The main shopping street is called and the wide tree-lined boulevards, parks and large squares in this newer part of town feature many statues of the great man, notably in the main square (ironically called General de Gaulle). The Old Town between the port and the imposing citadel on the cliff above boasts Napoleons House and the cathedral where he was baptised The main marketplace is right by the port and here you’ll find lots of local craft goods and endless Napoleonic souvenirs. Nestling in the Bay of Ajaccio, halfway down the islands west coast, Ajaccio is an excellent base from which to explore Corsica and discover why it is called the ‘Scented Isle’ (because of the sweet aromas from the mountainside marquis vegetation). I had my Eggs Benedict for breakfast really good. We decided to stay onboard as the powers that be decreed that we couldn’t tie up alongside the harbour so to get ashore we would have to use the tender which Maggie is a bit nervous about. So we had a relaxing day on the ship and attended the Sail Away Party which was fun. Tonight we are going to see the show featuring the songs from the musicals.

The Bay Slobbing about, relaxing all day before the formal evening Wednesday 23rd September 2015 Cadiz – Spain Sunrise over Cadiz You cruise right into the heart of historic Cadiz as immediately across the busy Avenida del Puerto from the Spanish port is the main square and shopping area. From there, it is easy to find your own way around this compact city. Behind is the 18th century cathedral (El Nueva) and the view from the top is worth the long climb up its internal stairs. The narrow streets of the old town below are lined by tall Moorish-style houses with flower-decked balconies mixed in amongst some small shops and tapas bars. Cadiz dates back to the 12th century BC so is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western world but sultry Seville has long since outgrown its neighbour. La Giralda (the bell-tower next to its Gothic cathedral), is in Sevilles historic Jewish quarter which also has the whitewashed houses and exquisitely coloured bougainvillea that everyone associates with this lovely city.

Arrive morning Depart early evening “ANDALUSIA DRIVE” We went by coach through Medina Sidonia saw loads of bulls bread for fighting, olive groves and vineyards We had a stop for refreshments and free time in Went on a trip “Andalusia Drive” not bad. A chance to see some of the scenery around Cadiz however it turned out to be a bit of a history lesson and I wouldn’t recommend it. If I return to Cadiz I think I would be inclined to taking the “Hop on Hop off Bus. Followed by a mooch around Conil de LA Frontera. Maggie had an ice cream strawberry and mango and it fell off but she didn’t cry Went up on the deck 15 to the final“ Sail Away Party” which was very good After dinner went to the Playhouse to see Byron Johnstone again but with a different show. This time instead of classical it was guitar rock and roll legends.

Excellent!!⚓ Thursday 24th September 2015 Arrangements made for disembarkation (getting off the ship) on Saturday – cases outside the cabin the night before, vacate the cabin by 0800 and leave the ship at 10:30. Filled in questionnaire about cruise for what it’s worth Had to have breakfast at the smash and grab (Venezia) because we were too late for the Peninsula Restaurant who finish breakfast at 0900. We will have lunch at the smash and grab with a formal dinner at the Meridian Restaurant this evening followed by the Headliners show “Reel to Reel” Packing tomorrow😦 Friday 25th September 2015 At sea Lazy day today we ate at the smash and grab as the rich food of yesterday was starting to play me up a little so I ate simply.

The bags are packed and collected clocks put back Alarm set for 6:00 We leave the cabin by 0800 have breakfast and leave the ship about 10 30 Wonderful experience I really hope to do it again Saturday 26th September 2015 Back Sunrise over Southamption Back to Southampton safe and sound after an excellent holiday seeing new sights and meeting new people some nice some not so nice but then that’s people. Our luggage was taken last night and we have had an early breakfast so now we are waiting for our 10:30 call to disembark the Azura. Then, all being well, it’s off to Burnham on sea and with a bit of luck I will complete this diary and be able to publish this as a blog. Very efficient disembarkment by fredarth09 So a 23 year old girl takes off her top in a “holy” mountain and gets a £850.00 fine and a short jail sentence. Major news which lasts for days on radio and TV discussed endlessly on radio. Obviously there’s not much wrong in the world for this to warrant so much publicity.

I suppose the lady in question will now achieve the status of celebrity with all the trappings associated with it. Thoughts of Erica Rowe come to mind) TV interviews, Big Brother, shop openings, fete openings etc. all for becoming a public nuisance. Stupid child should grow up and learn respect for others especially when in other countries where believe it or not she is representing the English just as other countries are judged by us when their citizens visit us. I was on a weekend break to Paris some years ago and we decided to visit the Notre Dame cathedral where we were amazed to see a large number of “oriental” tourists climbing over the barriers and pews shouting to each other disturbing the peace and tranquillity of that beautiful place just to get a better photograph of each other in front of the main altar. My opinion of any “oriental” tourist with a camera was very low for a very long time. It was sheer disrespect. BUT did it make the news for days on end? No those were the days of proper reporting not of finding an insignificant “story” blowing it up out of all proportion and then milking it dry then repeating it over and over again.

I used to frequent a pub which was also used by a number of reporters, some freelance some committed to one newspaper or other. Two of them made a good living by taking a short story and investigating it properly then selling it back to the same paper for a large fee. I was also in the pub one evening when another reporter said to me as he ordered me a pint “what do you think of this tale about … I then gave him my opinion. The following morning that story was written with a sentence at the end “A spokesman said…” and there were the very words had said in the pub the night before. All for a pint oh! I do sell my words cheaply! My opinion – LAZY JOURNALISM!! O.K.so the first one was a little too difficult try this one Some are easy and others are easier. In which city did Roger Bannister run the first sub-four-minute mile in 1954? Oxford Which large animal kills more people than any other animal in Africa? Hippopotamus Which country do swallows migrate to when they leave Britain for the winter? South Africa In fashion, what do the initials DKNY stand for?

Donna Karan New York Occurring twice yearly, what name is given to a day consisting of twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of darkness? Equinox How many X chromosomes do women have? Two Which city is the largest port in Germany? Hamburg Which country is the natural habitat of the emu? Australia Where in the world does the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival take place, which culminates in the burning of a Viking long ship? Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland Which American film and television actress is best known for her role as Jennifer Hart in the 1980s television series Hart to Hart Stefanie Powers In 1872, which country played England in the first ever international game of football? Scotland Who married comedian Les Dennis in 1995? Amanda Holden Claire Richards was the lead singer in which dance-pop group? Steps Who became First Minister of Scotland after Alex Salmond’s resignation? Nicola Sturgeon Which Irish novelist was personal assistant of actor Henry Irving and business manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London? Bram Stoker Which singer starred in the televison documentary From Riches to Rags?

Lily Allen (now Cooper) Who said: “The history of the world is but the biography of great men.”? Thomas Carlyle How many hurdles are there in a 400 metres hurdles race? Ten In 1811, nearly a quarter of all the women in Britain were called what name? Mary Which Portuguese-born navigator was the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean? Ferdinand Magellan Which historical figure is widely regarded as the greatest of all the Anglo-Saxon scholars? The Venerable Bede What disease killed thousands of people in Glasgow in 1832? Cholera Which killer was also known as ‘The Whitechapel Murderer’? Jack the Ripper In which year was the Wall Street Crash? 1929 The Battle of Balaclava is a famous battle in which war? The Crimean In which French city was Joan of Arc put to death? Rouen Who was the last British monarch of the House of Hanover? Queen Victoria In which century was The Black Death? Fourteenth Which American outlaw was the most famous member of the James-Younger Gang? Jesse James In which country was Boxing Day renamed Day of Goodwill in 1994?

South Africa Who served up figgy pudding in Charles Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol’? Mrs Cratchit Father Christmas is known as Pai Natal in which European country? Portugal Mummer’s Day is an ancient midwinter celebration in which English county? Cornwall Which band had a Christmas number one in 2009 with ‘Killing in the Name’? Rage Against The Machine Who is the servant of Cinderella’s father and also Cinderella’s friend? Buttons Which mathematician was born on Boxing Day in 1791? Charles Babbage Which country traditionally gives London’s Trafalgar Square Christmas tree? Norway Who had a Christmas hit with the song ‘Skyscraper’ in 2013? Sam Bailey In literature, which fictional character said it is ‘always Winter, but never Christmas’? Mr. Tumnus (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) The Christmas favourite of ‘Piggies in Blankets’ is chipolata sausages wrapped in what? Bacon Which of Santa’s reindeer shares its name with a mythical god of love? Cupid In the Christmas carol, which town is known as Royal David’s City?

Bethlehem At which of her homes does the Queen traditionally spend Christmas? Sandringham Which alcoholic ingredient is used in a Snowball cocktail? Advocaat In the rhyme Christmas is coming, who is getting fat? The goose Feliz Navidad is Happy Christmas in which language? Spanish How many Lords-a-leaping are there in ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’? 10 In cockney rhyming slang what are ‘eyes’ called? Mince pies What was Mr Bean searching for when he got his head stuck in a turkey? His wrist watch Which monarch was crowned on Christmas Day in Westminster Abbey? William I Share this: Holidays 2014 | The White House 1. Who was the first President to preside over the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony? President George Washington in 1788 President Calvin Coolidge in 1923 President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934 President Barack Obama in 2009 Yup! Back in 1923, a few school children in Washington, D.C. wrote to President Calvin Coolidge asking him if they could put a Christmas tree on the South Lawn.

More than 90 years later, that simple request is now a holiday tradition. Check out this year’s ceremony to light the National Christmas Tree — “a symbol of hope and holiday spirit.” Actually, the first National Christmas Tree was lit by President Calvin Coolidge. Back in 1923, a few school children in Washington, D.C. wrote to President Calvin Coolidge asking him if they could put a Christmas tree on the South Lawn. More than 90 years later, that simple request is now a holiday tradition. Check out this year’s ceremony to light the National Christmas Tree — “a symbol of hope and holiday spirit.” Next Question 2. True or false: A steadfast conservationist, President Teddy Roosevelt refused to allow any trees to be cut for use in the White House. True False That’s right! President Teddy Roosevelt did not approve of cutting trees for Christmas decorations. But his son Archie defied the ban and smuggled in a small tree that was decorated and then hidden in a closet a sewing room in the White House. It’s actually true! President Teddy Roosevelt was such an avowed conservationist that he prohibited cutting a single tree for Christmas decorations at the White House.

However, his son Archie defied the ban and smuggled in a small tree that was decorated and then hidden in a closet in the upstairs sewing room. Next Question 3. Who helped light up the National Christmas tree for the first time in history this year? The First Dogs, Bo & Sonny Santa and his reindeer Girls across the country, using code Vice President Biden Nailed it. Young girls from across the country joined Google in using code to give the state and territory trees a digital upgrade. Decorate your own “digi-tree” using Made w/ Code’s holiday lights program! Nope! Neither Vice President Biden, the First Dogs, nor Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer could hold a candle to the young girls who used code for the first time in history to light up the state and territory trees. Decorate your own “digi-tree” using Made w/ Code’s holiday lights program! Next Question 4. True or false: The White House once hosted an indoor snowball fight. True False Right! Snow or no-snow, President Andrew Jackson knew how to throw a party.

In 1834, he threw a large party for his children and grandchildren that included games, dancing, dinner, and an indoor “snowball fight” using specially-made cotton balls for the occasion. To this day, the White House invites school groups and organizations to help decorate and participate in the holiday parties. It’s true! Snow or no-snow, President Andrew Jackson knew how to throw a party. In 1834, he threw a large party for his children and grandchildren that included games, dancing, dinner, and an indoor “snowball fight” using specially-made cotton balls for the occasion. To this day, the White House invites school groups and organizations to help decorate and participate in the holiday parties. Next Question 5. Who was the first President to light the National Menorah? President Van Buren President Reagan President Obama Correct! President Jimmy Carter was the first president to recognize Hanukkah, lighting the National Menorah on the first night of the Festival of Lights in 1979.

Since then, each president has commemorated Hanukkah at the White House with ceremonies ranging from small presentations in the Oval Office to large parties with the First Family, but they all have shared the tradition of a unique Hanukkah Menorah. This year, the National Menorah will be lit on the night of December 16. Stay tuned for details of this year’s celebrations: wh.gov/holidays . Actually, President Jimmy Carter was the first president to recognize Hanukkah, lighting the National Menorah on the first night of the Festival of Lights in 1979. Since then, each president has commemorated Hanukkah at the White House with ceremonies ranging from small presentations in the Oval Office to large parties with the First Family, but they all have shared the tradition of a unique Hanukkah Menorah. This year, the National Menorah will be lit on the night of December 16. Stay tuned for details of this year’s celebrations: wh.gov/holidays . Next Question 199 Pounds Over 300 Pounds Correct — astounding, right? This miniature White House is actually a colossal production.

Everyone from White House carpenters to plumbers to electricians lend their expertise to help make this delectable decoration possible. Located in the State Dining Room, this year’s gingerbread house – complete with a skating rink and marzipan reindeer -- contains 250 pounds of pastillage, 40 pounds of marzipan, 25 pounds of gum paste, 80 pounds of gingerbread dough, 25 pounds of sugar work, and an immeasurable amount of holiday delight. You can check it out here: wh.gov/holidays . It’s actually more than 300 pounds! Surprised? It’s true, this miniature White House is actually a colossal production. Everyone from White House carpenters to plumbers to electricians lend their expertise to help make this delectable decoration possible. Located in the State Dining Room, this year’s gingerbread house – complete with a skating rink and marzipan reindeer -- contains 250 pounds of pastillage, 40 pounds of marzipan, 25 pounds of gum paste, 80 pounds of gingerbread dough, 25 pounds of sugar work, and an immeasurable amount of holiday delight.

You can check it out here: wh.gov/holidays . Finish Happy Holidays! You got questions correct. Now that you know how presidents and Americans across the country have helped deck the halls here at the White House, check out the latest décor — including a few more holiday firsts from President Obama and the First Family. Head over to wh.gov/holidays to see how we’re trimming the house in this year’s theme: A Children’s Winter Wonderland. Start Over Caroline and a friend with the Christmas tree in the Entrance Hall, December 1961. 12 of 14 Mrs. Kennedy, John, Jr., and Caroline in front of the mantle hung with Christmas stockings in Palm Beach, FL, December 25, 1962. 13 of 14 President Kennedy playing with John F. Kennedy, Jr. The First Lady J stands in background, December 25, 1962. 14 of 14 Share This Gallery The White House would like to thank the White House Historical Association, the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, the Gerald R.

Ford Library, the Rockefeller Folk Art Museum at Colonial Williamsburg, the DC Public Library, the Jimmy Carter Library, the Ronald Reagan Library, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Coleen Christian Burke, author of "Christmas with the First Ladies" for photographs and research support. Thank You

Question: True or False? The German's made the first artificial Christmas tree out of Goose feathers?
Answer: True